If you've ever caught your dog munching on grass during your morning walk or garden playtime, you're not alone. It's a surprisingly common behaviour.
So, why do dogs eat grass? Is it a sign of illness, boredom, or just one of those mysterious dog quirks?
Let's unpack the reasons behind this grassy habit and explore what it could mean when dogs chow down on a blade or two.
7 common reasons why dogs eat grass
Dogs eating grass isn’t automatically a sign that something is wrong. While it might look odd to us, eating grass is a behaviour seen in both domesticated and wild dogs.
Here are a few reasons why your pup might eat grass:
1. They might be trying to settle their stomach
There’s a long-standing myth that dogs eat grass to induce vomiting when they’re feeling sick — the idea is that the fibrous blades irritate their stomach lining and trigger regurgitation.
While this might happen sometimes, a study into why dogs eat grass1 showed it’s uncommon: only 8% of dogs showed signs of illness before eating grass, and just 23% vomited afterwards.
So, while grass-eating might be your dog’s way of easing an upset stomach, it’s not a guarantee. If your dog is vomiting frequently, seems off their food, or lacks energy, it’s best to speak with your vet.
Read more: Sensitive stomachs in dogs: how to relieve your pup's discomfort
2. They might be missing fibre
Dogs need fibre for smooth digestion. If their meals are low in dietary fibre, they might turn to grass to help keep things moving.
Lyka meals are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and include real food sources of fibre — think spinach, broccoli, kale and carrots — to naturally support healthy digestion.
Read more: Dog poo decoded: colour, consistency and smell (vet approved guide)
3. They’re bored or want your attention
Sometimes, dogs eat grass because they’re under-stimulated. If they’re not getting enough physical or mental exercise, they may pick up odd habits — especially if it gets your attention.
It can be helpful to monitor when the behaviour occurs. If it only pops up during quiet times or when you’re distracted, boredom could be the trigger.
Try giving your dog interactive toys, chews, or puzzle feeders to keep them occupied when you’re out of the house or engaged in other activities.
Read more: Unlock your dog's brilliance: mental stimulation training with Bondi Behaviourist
4. It could be a stress or anxiety response
For some pups, grass eating becomes a calming ritual. If your dog tends to graze during stressful situations — like being left alone or hearing loud noises — it may be a coping mechanism or a self-soothing behaviour.
If you can identify patterns or triggers, you can intervene and help reduce their urge to graze.
Read more: Top 5 types of dog anxiety and how to treat them naturally
5. Mineral deficiencies
If your dog is chewing at the grass and nibbling dirt, they could be trying to access nutrients that are missing from their diet. If your dog is consistently eating dirt, chat with your vet to rule out any nutritional gaps or underlying health issues.
6. Pica
Pica is a condition where dogs eat non-food items like plastic, fabric, soil — even faeces. While it’s fairly normal for puppies to explore with their mouths, most grow out of it. For other dogs, it can be a sign of anxiety, nutritional deficiency or an underlying health issue.
If your dog is frequently eating unusual items, it’s best to bring it up with your vet.
Read more: Why does my dog eat poop? And how to help them stop
7. They just like the taste or texture
Some dogs simply enjoy the sensation of eating grass. You might notice them choosing the same patch on a walk or selectively grazing the freshest blades.
As long as it’s not excessive and they’re otherwise healthy, it’s usually nothing to worry about.
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The risks of eating grass
A few blades of fresh, clean grass are usually nothing to stress about. However, there are some risks worth understanding.
1. Chemical treatments: lawns and grassy areas may be treated by herbicides or pesticides that are harmful when ingested. Look out for signage in parks that warn the public of any treatment.
2. Parasites: lungworm or intestinal parasites can be transmitted on grass if larvae, eggs, or carriers (like slugs, snails, or infected faeces) are present.
3. Allergic reactions: some dogs experience an allergic reaction when they come into contact with grass – a common environmental allergen. Observe your dog’s physical responses and make an appointment with your vet if you’re concerned about their health.
4. Toxic plants: there’s a risk of dogs ingesting more than just grass when they graze – some plants are highly toxic to dogs. Prevent your pup from eating grass clippings and be mindful of grass growing in wild thickets.
5. Gastrointestinal blockage: too much grass may cause blockages or constipation, but the risk is small and rare.
How a real food diet can help
If your dog frequently snacks on grass, it could be a sign their current diet isn’t quite hitting the mark. While grass-eating is often harmless, it can sometimes point to digestive discomfort, nutrient gaps, or a lack of fibre.
That’s where a real food diet, like Lyka, can make a big difference.
Lyka meals are:
Packed with fibre from fresh vegetables to support digestion and regular, healthy poos (no more looking to grass for help)
Made with human-grade proteins to fuel your dog’s body and brain, and keep your dog feeling fuller for longer
Complete and balanced with essential nutrients to keep cravings in check
Containing ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like turmeric and ginger, to help reduce digestive inflammation
Custom portioned to your dog’s individual needs, from age and size to activity levels
Thousands of Aussie dogs have made the switch to Lyka and shown improvements in digestion, energy, skin health, and overall behaviour—including fewer trips to the lawn buffet.
Read more: The life-changing benefits of real food for dogs
When it’s worth a trip to the vet
If your dog’s grazing is frequent or paired with other symptoms, it’s worth getting a professional opinion.
Check with your vet if your dog:
Eats grass daily or in large amounts
Vomits every time they graze
Shows signs like lethargy, diarrhoea or appetite loss
Also eats rocks, dirt, plastic or other non-food items
It’s also smart to avoid grass in unfamiliar areas or public parks, where pesticides or fertilisers may be present. Stick to clean areas and steer clear of cut or treated grass where possible.
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Curious about Lyka? Experience real food for happy, healthy dogs
Whether it’s out of curiosity, boredom, or the simple joy of a chewy mouthful, grass-eating is usually nothing to panic about. But if it’s becoming a regular habit, it’s worth asking — what’s really going on beneath the surface? From potential digestive discomfort to nutrient gaps, your dog might be telling you something.
Switching to a real food diet like Lyka can help take the guesswork out of their grazing habits. With meals designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and packed with fibre-rich veggies and balanced nutrients, Lyka supports your dog’s digestion, satisfies their nutritional needs, and helps keep those grass cravings at bay.
Ready to say goodbye to lawn snacks and hello to happier, healthier mealtimes? Try Lyka today and discover the difference real food can make—one bowl at a time.
